US20150289476A1 - Injury mitigating stock guard - Google Patents
Injury mitigating stock guard Download PDFInfo
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- US20150289476A1 US20150289476A1 US14/249,522 US201414249522A US2015289476A1 US 20150289476 A1 US20150289476 A1 US 20150289476A1 US 201414249522 A US201414249522 A US 201414249522A US 2015289476 A1 US2015289476 A1 US 2015289476A1
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- linear members
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- GBIHOLCMZGAKNG-UHFFFAOYSA-N flucythrinate Chemical compound C=1C=C(OC(F)F)C=CC=1C(C(C)C)C(=O)OC(C#N)C(C=1)=CC=CC=1OC1=CC=CC=C1 GBIHOLCMZGAKNG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 62
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 title abstract description 11
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 title abstract description 11
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 title abstract description 10
- 230000000116 mitigating effect Effects 0.000 title abstract 2
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 claims abstract description 29
- 210000000003 hoof Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 241000283690 Bos taurus Species 0.000 description 18
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 241000283726 Bison Species 0.000 description 3
- 244000144972 livestock Species 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000010422 painting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241000283073 Equus caballus Species 0.000 description 1
- 206010061599 Lower limb fracture Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009412 basement excavation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K3/00—Pasturing equipment, e.g. tethering devices; Grids for preventing cattle from straying; Electrified wire fencing
- A01K3/002—Grids for preventing cattle from straying through an open passage of an enclosure
Definitions
- the invention relates to stock guards, which deter the passage of livestock while enabling the passage of wheeled vehicles, and in particular, to stock guards that mitigate the potential for injury to animals.
- Cattle guards or stock guards have long been known.
- a cattle guard is a device that impedes or deters the passage of livestock, while enabling the passage of vehicles.
- Cattle guards are typically located where fence lines cross roads, and allow for stock to be confined to defined ranges without the necessity of locating a gate where a roadway crosses a fence line.
- cattle guards are provided as an array of mutually parallel spaced apart linear members arranged transverse to the direction of traffic flow.
- the spacing between the members is chosen to define inter-member spaces that exceed the maximum dimension of the hoof of an animal.
- this array of mutually parallel spaced apart linear members is placed above an excavation or vault, which defines a space below the local grade level.
- An animal, typically a cow, upon encountering a cattle guard, will refuse to cross for fear of placing its hoof into the deep hole defined by the inter-member spacing and the ditch below.
- cattle guards are formed of linear members having rectangular or triangular cross section, typically fabricated from tubular steel. These linear members are affixed to a plurality of cross members, which themselves are mutually parallel, and which are bolted or set upon a ledge defined by the concrete structure that defines the vault or ditch.
- triangular or rectangular wings are provided at either end of the linear member array, which bridge the distance between the cattle guard and nearby fence posts. In certain conventional designs, these wings may be hinged.
- Conventional cattle guards have a variety of disadvantages. While effective for domesticated cattle, stock guards will oftentimes not deter other kinds of animals. In particular, bison and horses, of both the domesticated and wild varieties, are oftentimes not deterred by conventional stock guards. Additionally, some cattle will still attempt to cross conventional stock guards. Because, the spaces between adjacent linear members in conventional stock guards exceeds the size of an animal's hoof, when an animal attempts to cross a conventional stock guard, injury, typically a broken leg, and death is often the result. Additionally, injury can result when an animal does not notice that the conventional cattle guard is there, for example, when it is hidden by brush, snow or other debris.
- the “universal cattle guard” available from Outlaw Industrial, LLC of Globe Arizona uses a plurality of mutually parallel spaced about members having a circular cross section, which is placed at grade, i.e., not above an excavated ditch or vault. While the “universal cattle guard” appears to prevent animal injury, its effectiveness as an animal deterrent is suspect for a variety of reasons. For example, because of its open design, debris may accumulate between the tubular members from the bottom (e.g., as a result of water running past the structure), thereby filling up the voids between the adjacent tubular members. Additionally, even when this device is clear of debris, animals can see the natural surface of the ground between the tubular members, which decreases the device's effectiveness.
- Embodiments of the invention are directed to an injury-reducing stock guard including a plurality of mutually parallel, spaced-apart linear members.
- Each member has a top side, the plurality of which define a top surface of the stock guard which is substantially parallel to grade over which a vehicle may travel.
- Each member also includes at least one laterally extending flange disposed in a plane parallel to and below the aforementioned top surface.
- the at least one laterally extending flange forms a bottom surface which defines the bottom extent of a pocket also defined by two adjacent linear members.
- the at least one laterally extending wing also defines a slot in the bottom surface which is sized such that the hoof of an animal cannot pass through, but which does allow the passage of water and debris.
- each linear member has a hat-like cross section with a rectangular center portion and two laterally extending flanges on either side of the rectangular center portion, such that adjacent linear members together define a pocket, and the mutually facing flanges of adjacent members define a slot therebetween sized such that the hoof of an animal cannot pass through.
- the pocket is painted a dark color, which contrasts with the top surface of the stock guard defined by the top surfaces of the hat-like linear members.
- the stock guard according to the present invention is arranged over a ditch or vault, such that debris and the like can sluice through the slots at the bottoms of the pockets.
- the stock guard is placed at or near grade, without a ditch or vault.
- the stock guard may optionally include a first and second transition sections that extend in the direction of the expected direction of travel, which are inclined toward grade from a central section having a top surface parallel to grade. The result of this arrangement is to provide inclined transition zones for vehicles driving onto and off of the stock guard.
- Stock guards according to embodiments of the invention have certain advantages. For example, stock guards according to embodiments of the invention mitigate the possibility of injury because they prevent an animal's hoof from penetrating or extending through the bottom of the stock guard. This enables stock guards according to embodiments of the invention to used for animals other than cows (e.g., mustangs, bison, etc.), which can be expected to “test” a stock guard. At the same time, the pockets defined by adjacent linear members create sufficient shadowing and abrupt vertical transitions to deter most animals from crossing.
- FIG. 1 shows a cross section of a stock guard according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a stock guard according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3 is an oblique elevated view of a stock guard according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is an oblique elevated view of a stock guard according to the embodiment of FIG. 2 .
- references throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “a related embodiment,” or similar language mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the referred to “embodiment” is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention.
- appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. It is to be understood that no portion of disclosure, taken on its own and in possible connection with a figure, is intended to provide a complete description of all features of the invention.
- FIG. 1 shows a cross section of a stock guard according to an embodiment of the invention.
- the stock guard of FIG. 1 includes a plurality of spaced apart, mutually parallel linear members 105 .
- Linear members 105 are arranged in a horizontal plane to support the passage of vehicles over the top of the plurality of linear members along the indicated direction of travel 107 .
- the linear members themselves are arranged with their long axes transverse to the direction of travel 107 .
- Each linear member 105 has a central portion having a substantially rectangular cross section, with a top surface 110 and a first and second side surfaces 115 , 120 , which are substantially vertical. Collectively, the top surfaces 110 of the linear members define a plane such supports a wheeled vehicle.
- Adjacent pairs of linear members 105 define linear pockets 125 bounded in the horizontal direction by first vertical surface of a first linear member and the facing second vertical surface of an adjacent linear member. These pockets are sized (in the horizontal direction) such that the hoof of an animal (e.g., a cow, horse, bison, etc.) can pass below an upper plane containing top surfaces 110 into the pocket.
- the inter-member spacing between adjacent linear members, which defines the width of the linear pocket is 4 inches.
- An exemplary range for widths of the pockets is between 2.5 and 5 inches.
- the top surface 110 of each linear member is sufficiently narrow, again along direction 107 , to prevent a hoof of an animal from comfortably balancing on surface 110 . In one embodiment, the width of top surface 110 is 2.5 inches.
- An exemplary range for the width of the top surface of the linear members is between 2 and 3 inches.
- the stock guard of FIG. 1 is designed to capture the hoof of the animal, thereby preventing serious injury. This is accomplished by the provision of one or more laterally extending flanges 127 that extend from the vertical sides 115 , 120 of linear members 105 . Flanges 127 and linear members 105 define a linear slot 130 , which in the embodiment of FIG. 1 , runs the length of the adjacent linear members.
- slot 130 is to allow water and debris to sluice out of the pockets 125 .
- each linear member 105 has two flanges that extend in the horizontal plane to either side of the central portion, resulting in a “hat-shaped” cross section for each linear member 105 .
- flanges 127 are disposed in a lower plane that is parallel to and below the place defined by a plurality of top surfaces 110 .
- This configuration is exemplary and not required.
- Alternative exemplary embodiments may be provided in which there is only a single flange per pocket.
- flanges that are not co-planar, and are not parallel to the top surfaces 110 of the linear members are possible, and within the scope of the invention.
- “L”-shaped linear members, and linear members having triangular, circular or other cross sectional profiles for the central portion are all acceptable. All that is necessary is that some safe obstruction is provided that prevents the passage of a hoof through the bottom of pockets 125 .
- the vertical depth of the pockets 125 impacts whether an animal is likely to be deterred.
- the vertical depth between top surface 110 and flange 127 i.e., the depth of pocket 125
- the depth of pockets 125 should be sufficient to prevent an animal from putting part of its hoof (e.g., a heel portion), on a top surface of the linear member, while putting another part of the same hoof (e.g., a toe portion) on a flange at the bottom of the pocket 125 . This would allow the animal to feel secure in its footing, and is disadvantageous from a deterrence standpoint.
- top surface 110 of the linear members and the pocket 125 is particularly effective at deterring livestock form placing their hooves into the pocket. Additionally, Applicant has discovered that by enhancing the visible contrast between top surface 110 and the pocket 125 , for example, by painting the interior of pocket 125 with a dark color (e.g., black) and/or painting top surface 110 with a light color (e.g., white or bright yellow), this contrast can be enhanced.
- a dark color e.g., black
- a light color e.g., white or bright yellow
- linear members 105 are affixed to and above a plurality of spaced apart, mutually parallel support members 135 .
- the stock guard of FIG. 1 is installed at grade, with support members 135 resting on the ground.
- support members 135 define a vertical space of offset which serves to life the array of linear members 105 off the ground by at least the height of the support members 135 .
- the stock guard of FIG. 1 further includes transition regions 140 , characterized by tapered support members, which support additional linear members such that the top surfaces of these linear members are inclined at an angle toward the ground.
- transition region 140 is to ease the transition of a wheeled vehicle as it transitions from grade onto the stock guard.
- one linear member 143 is provided at the end of the transition region which is triangular or trapezoidal in cross section.
- the stock guard of FIG. 1 further includes triangular wing sections 145 arranged at the ends of linear members 105 .
- Triangular wing sections 145 are optionally hinged or otherwise rotatable about an axis parallel to direction 107 so that they may be deployed outwardly to bridge any gap between the stock guard and a fence line into which the stock guard is installed.
- FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a stock guard according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.
- the basic components of the stock guard are equivalent to those set forth above with respect to FIG. 1 , but instead of support members 140 resting on the ground (and thereby translating the top, vehicle bearing of the surface up with respect to grade), in the embodiment of FIG. 2 , support members 235 are installed over a ditch or cavity 250 defined by a vault 260 .
- vault 260 includes two vertical walls 255 and a floor 257 , which collectively define a ditch or cavity 250 , which extends laterally and longitudinally below the linear members 205 of the stock guard.
- Support members 235 rest on top a shelf, also defined by vault 260 , which in certain embodiments is poured concrete, such that the top surfaces 210 of linear members 205 are parallel to and flush with grade.
- FIG. 3 is an oblique elevated view of a stock guard according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 .
- the linear hat-shaped members extend in a direction transverse to a direction of travel a distance sufficient for passage of a vehicle.
- the linear extent of the linear members (and therefore the width of the stock guard) is 12 feet.
- the stock guard may be installed at grade, on the ground, without the need to excavate a pit or ditch or pour a concrete vault. In these cases tapered transition zones facilitate a gradual transition for vehicles from grade, onto the surface of the stock guard, and off.
- FIG. 4 is an oblique elevated view of a stock guard according to the embodiment of FIG. 2 .
- the linear hat-shaped members extend in a direction transverse to a direction of travel a distance sufficient for passage of a vehicle.
- the linear extent of the linear members (and therefore the width of the stock guard) is 8 feet.
- the stock guard may be over an excavated ditch or pit defined, for example, by a poured concrete vault. In these cases tapered the top surface of the stock guard is maintained at grade.
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Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to stock guards, which deter the passage of livestock while enabling the passage of wheeled vehicles, and in particular, to stock guards that mitigate the potential for injury to animals.
- Cattle guards or stock guards have long been known. A cattle guard is a device that impedes or deters the passage of livestock, while enabling the passage of vehicles. Cattle guards are typically located where fence lines cross roads, and allow for stock to be confined to defined ranges without the necessity of locating a gate where a roadway crosses a fence line.
- Conventionally, cattle guards are provided as an array of mutually parallel spaced apart linear members arranged transverse to the direction of traffic flow. The spacing between the members is chosen to define inter-member spaces that exceed the maximum dimension of the hoof of an animal. Conventionally, this array of mutually parallel spaced apart linear members is placed above an excavation or vault, which defines a space below the local grade level. An animal, typically a cow, upon encountering a cattle guard, will refuse to cross for fear of placing its hoof into the deep hole defined by the inter-member spacing and the ditch below.
- Conventionally, cattle guards are formed of linear members having rectangular or triangular cross section, typically fabricated from tubular steel. These linear members are affixed to a plurality of cross members, which themselves are mutually parallel, and which are bolted or set upon a ledge defined by the concrete structure that defines the vault or ditch. For certain conventional cattle guards, triangular or rectangular wings are provided at either end of the linear member array, which bridge the distance between the cattle guard and nearby fence posts. In certain conventional designs, these wings may be hinged.
- Conventional cattle guards have a variety of disadvantages. While effective for domesticated cattle, stock guards will oftentimes not deter other kinds of animals. In particular, bison and horses, of both the domesticated and wild varieties, are oftentimes not deterred by conventional stock guards. Additionally, some cattle will still attempt to cross conventional stock guards. Because, the spaces between adjacent linear members in conventional stock guards exceeds the size of an animal's hoof, when an animal attempts to cross a conventional stock guard, injury, typically a broken leg, and death is often the result. Additionally, injury can result when an animal does not notice that the conventional cattle guard is there, for example, when it is hidden by brush, snow or other debris.
- Methods have been suggested to provide a safer alternative to conventional stock guards. The “universal cattle guard” available from Outlaw Industrial, LLC of Globe Arizona (http://www.cattleguard.info/faq.html), uses a plurality of mutually parallel spaced about members having a circular cross section, which is placed at grade, i.e., not above an excavated ditch or vault. While the “universal cattle guard” appears to prevent animal injury, its effectiveness as an animal deterrent is suspect for a variety of reasons. For example, because of its open design, debris may accumulate between the tubular members from the bottom (e.g., as a result of water running past the structure), thereby filling up the voids between the adjacent tubular members. Additionally, even when this device is clear of debris, animals can see the natural surface of the ground between the tubular members, which decreases the device's effectiveness.
- What is needed is a stock guard that prevents injury, but that is as effective as a deterrent as conventional stock guards.
- Embodiments of the invention are directed to an injury-reducing stock guard including a plurality of mutually parallel, spaced-apart linear members. Each member has a top side, the plurality of which define a top surface of the stock guard which is substantially parallel to grade over which a vehicle may travel. Each member also includes at least one laterally extending flange disposed in a plane parallel to and below the aforementioned top surface. The at least one laterally extending flange forms a bottom surface which defines the bottom extent of a pocket also defined by two adjacent linear members. The at least one laterally extending wing also defines a slot in the bottom surface which is sized such that the hoof of an animal cannot pass through, but which does allow the passage of water and debris.
- In another embodiment, each linear member has a hat-like cross section with a rectangular center portion and two laterally extending flanges on either side of the rectangular center portion, such that adjacent linear members together define a pocket, and the mutually facing flanges of adjacent members define a slot therebetween sized such that the hoof of an animal cannot pass through. In certain embodiments, the pocket is painted a dark color, which contrasts with the top surface of the stock guard defined by the top surfaces of the hat-like linear members.
- In certain embodiments, the stock guard according to the present invention is arranged over a ditch or vault, such that debris and the like can sluice through the slots at the bottoms of the pockets. In other embodiments, the stock guard is placed at or near grade, without a ditch or vault. In these embodiments, the stock guard may optionally include a first and second transition sections that extend in the direction of the expected direction of travel, which are inclined toward grade from a central section having a top surface parallel to grade. The result of this arrangement is to provide inclined transition zones for vehicles driving onto and off of the stock guard.
- Stock guards according to embodiments of the invention have certain advantages. For example, stock guards according to embodiments of the invention mitigate the possibility of injury because they prevent an animal's hoof from penetrating or extending through the bottom of the stock guard. This enables stock guards according to embodiments of the invention to used for animals other than cows (e.g., mustangs, bison, etc.), which can be expected to “test” a stock guard. At the same time, the pockets defined by adjacent linear members create sufficient shadowing and abrupt vertical transitions to deter most animals from crossing.
- These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood upon consideration of the following detailed description and drawings.
- The invention will be more fully understood by referring to the following Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments in conjunction with the Drawings, of which:
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FIG. 1 shows a cross section of a stock guard according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a stock guard according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 3 is an oblique elevated view of a stock guard according to the embodiment ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is an oblique elevated view of a stock guard according to the embodiment ofFIG. 2 . - References throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “a related embodiment,” or similar language mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the referred to “embodiment” is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. It is to be understood that no portion of disclosure, taken on its own and in possible connection with a figure, is intended to provide a complete description of all features of the invention.
- In addition, the following disclosure may describe features of the invention with reference to corresponding drawings, in which like numbers represent the same or similar elements wherever possible. In the drawings, the depicted structural elements are generally not to scale, and certain components are enlarged relative to the other components for purposes of emphasis and understanding. It is to be understood that no single drawing is intended to support a complete description of all features of the invention. In other words, a given drawing is generally descriptive of only some, and generally not all, features of the invention. A given drawing and an associated portion of the disclosure containing a description referencing such drawing do not, generally, contain all elements of a particular view or all features that can be presented is this view, for purposes of simplifying the given drawing and discussion, and to direct the discussion to particular elements that are featured in this drawing. A skilled artisan will recognize that the invention may possibly be practiced without one or more of the specific features, elements, components, structures, details, or characteristics, or with the use of other methods, components, materials, and so forth. Therefore, although a particular detail of an embodiment of the invention may not be necessarily shown in each and every drawing describing such embodiment, the presence of this detail in the drawing may be implied unless the context of the description requires otherwise. In other instances, well known structures, details, materials, or operations may be not shown in a given drawing or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of an embodiment of the invention that are being discussed.
- The invention is described in preferred embodiments in the following description with reference to the Figures, in which like numbers represent the same or similar elements. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
- The described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are recited to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
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FIG. 1 shows a cross section of a stock guard according to an embodiment of the invention. The stock guard ofFIG. 1 includes a plurality of spaced apart, mutually parallellinear members 105.Linear members 105 are arranged in a horizontal plane to support the passage of vehicles over the top of the plurality of linear members along the indicated direction oftravel 107. The linear members themselves are arranged with their long axes transverse to the direction oftravel 107. - Each
linear member 105 has a central portion having a substantially rectangular cross section, with atop surface 110 and a first and second side surfaces 115, 120, which are substantially vertical. Collectively, thetop surfaces 110 of the linear members define a plane such supports a wheeled vehicle. - Adjacent pairs of
linear members 105 definelinear pockets 125 bounded in the horizontal direction by first vertical surface of a first linear member and the facing second vertical surface of an adjacent linear member. These pockets are sized (in the horizontal direction) such that the hoof of an animal (e.g., a cow, horse, bison, etc.) can pass below an upper plane containingtop surfaces 110 into the pocket. In one embodiment, the inter-member spacing between adjacent linear members, which defines the width of the linear pocket is 4 inches. An exemplary range for widths of the pockets is between 2.5 and 5 inches. Additionally, thetop surface 110 of each linear member is sufficiently narrow, again alongdirection 107, to prevent a hoof of an animal from comfortably balancing onsurface 110. In one embodiment, the width oftop surface 110 is 2.5 inches. An exemplary range for the width of the top surface of the linear members is between 2 and 3 inches. Thus, an animal encountering the stock guard ofFIG. 1 will be deterred from stepping onto the guard for gear that its hoof will fall below the plane defined by the collection oftop surfaces 110. - In the event that an animal is not deterred, and steps into a
pocket 125, the stock guard ofFIG. 1 is designed to capture the hoof of the animal, thereby preventing serious injury. This is accomplished by the provision of one or more laterally extendingflanges 127 that extend from thevertical sides linear members 105.Flanges 127 andlinear members 105 define alinear slot 130, which in the embodiment ofFIG. 1 , runs the length of the adjacent linear members. One purpose and advantage ofslot 130 is to allow water and debris to sluice out of thepockets 125. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1 , eachlinear member 105 has two flanges that extend in the horizontal plane to either side of the central portion, resulting in a “hat-shaped” cross section for eachlinear member 105. For these configurations,flanges 127 are disposed in a lower plane that is parallel to and below the place defined by a plurality oftop surfaces 110. This configuration, however, is exemplary and not required. Alternative exemplary embodiments may be provided in which there is only a single flange per pocket. Additionally, flanges that are not co-planar, and are not parallel to thetop surfaces 110 of the linear members are possible, and within the scope of the invention. Additionally, “L”-shaped linear members, and linear members having triangular, circular or other cross sectional profiles for the central portion are all acceptable. All that is necessary is that some safe obstruction is provided that prevents the passage of a hoof through the bottom ofpockets 125. - It will be appreciated that the vertical depth of the
pockets 125 impacts whether an animal is likely to be deterred. In one embodiment, the vertical depth betweentop surface 110 and flange 127 (i.e., the depth of pocket 125) is 3 inches. An exemplary range for this dimension is between 2 and 4 inches. In particular, the depth ofpockets 125 should be sufficient to prevent an animal from putting part of its hoof (e.g., a heel portion), on a top surface of the linear member, while putting another part of the same hoof (e.g., a toe portion) on a flange at the bottom of thepocket 125. This would allow the animal to feel secure in its footing, and is disadvantageous from a deterrence standpoint. Additionally, Applicants have discovered that the use of sharp angles to form the transition between thetop surface 110 of the linear members and thepocket 125 is particularly effective at deterring livestock form placing their hooves into the pocket. Additionally, Applicant has discovered that by enhancing the visible contrast betweentop surface 110 and thepocket 125, for example, by painting the interior ofpocket 125 with a dark color (e.g., black) and/or paintingtop surface 110 with a light color (e.g., white or bright yellow), this contrast can be enhanced. These advantageous embodiments, however, are not limiting and are not required by the invention. - In the embodiment of
FIG. 1 ,linear members 105 are affixed to and above a plurality of spaced apart, mutuallyparallel support members 135. In certain embodiments, the stock guard ofFIG. 1 is installed at grade, withsupport members 135 resting on the ground. In these embodiments,support members 135 define a vertical space of offset which serves to life the array oflinear members 105 off the ground by at least the height of thesupport members 135. This has two advantages. First, Applicants have observed that by “floating” thelinear members 105 above the ground on thesupport members 135, the linear members will rattle in a noisy fashion when the stock guard is stepped on by cattle. This rattle provides additional deterrence to the passage of stock. Second, by providing a space underneath the bottoms of thepockets 125 defined bylinear members 105, an area is provided into which debris can be washed. This prevents debris from accumulating in thepockets 125, which prevents stock from seeing a surface that looks like the natural surface of the ground, which again enhances deterrence. - The stock guard of
FIG. 1 further includestransition regions 140, characterized by tapered support members, which support additional linear members such that the top surfaces of these linear members are inclined at an angle toward the ground. The purpose oftransition region 140 is to ease the transition of a wheeled vehicle as it transitions from grade onto the stock guard. In certain embodiments, onelinear member 143 is provided at the end of the transition region which is triangular or trapezoidal in cross section. - The stock guard of
FIG. 1 further includestriangular wing sections 145 arranged at the ends oflinear members 105.Triangular wing sections 145 are optionally hinged or otherwise rotatable about an axis parallel todirection 107 so that they may be deployed outwardly to bridge any gap between the stock guard and a fence line into which the stock guard is installed. -
FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a stock guard according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2 , the basic components of the stock guard are equivalent to those set forth above with respect toFIG. 1 , but instead ofsupport members 140 resting on the ground (and thereby translating the top, vehicle bearing of the surface up with respect to grade), in the embodiment ofFIG. 2 ,support members 235 are installed over a ditch orcavity 250 defined by avault 260. In particular,vault 260 includes twovertical walls 255 and afloor 257, which collectively define a ditch orcavity 250, which extends laterally and longitudinally below thelinear members 205 of the stock guard.Support members 235 rest on top a shelf, also defined byvault 260, which in certain embodiments is poured concrete, such that thetop surfaces 210 oflinear members 205 are parallel to and flush with grade. -
FIG. 3 is an oblique elevated view of a stock guard according to the embodiment ofFIG. 1 . As can be seen fromFIG. 3 , the linear hat-shaped members extend in a direction transverse to a direction of travel a distance sufficient for passage of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the linear extent of the linear members (and therefore the width of the stock guard) is 12 feet. Additionally, as can be seen, the stock guard may be installed at grade, on the ground, without the need to excavate a pit or ditch or pour a concrete vault. In these cases tapered transition zones facilitate a gradual transition for vehicles from grade, onto the surface of the stock guard, and off. -
FIG. 4 is an oblique elevated view of a stock guard according to the embodiment ofFIG. 2 . As can be seen fromFIG. 4 , the linear hat-shaped members extend in a direction transverse to a direction of travel a distance sufficient for passage of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the linear extent of the linear members (and therefore the width of the stock guard) is 8 feet. Additionally, as can be seen, the stock guard may be over an excavated ditch or pit defined, for example, by a poured concrete vault. In these cases tapered the top surface of the stock guard is maintained at grade. - While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/249,522 US9750228B2 (en) | 2014-04-10 | 2014-04-10 | Injury mitigating stock guard |
PCT/US2015/025079 WO2015157503A1 (en) | 2014-04-10 | 2015-04-09 | Injury mitigating stock guard |
US15/683,474 US11058094B2 (en) | 2014-04-10 | 2017-08-22 | Injury mitigating stock guard |
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US14/249,522 US9750228B2 (en) | 2014-04-10 | 2014-04-10 | Injury mitigating stock guard |
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US15/683,474 Continuation US11058094B2 (en) | 2014-04-10 | 2017-08-22 | Injury mitigating stock guard |
Publications (2)
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US20150289476A1 true US20150289476A1 (en) | 2015-10-15 |
US9750228B2 US9750228B2 (en) | 2017-09-05 |
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US14/249,522 Expired - Fee Related US9750228B2 (en) | 2014-04-10 | 2014-04-10 | Injury mitigating stock guard |
US15/683,474 Active 2035-09-12 US11058094B2 (en) | 2014-04-10 | 2017-08-22 | Injury mitigating stock guard |
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US15/683,474 Active 2035-09-12 US11058094B2 (en) | 2014-04-10 | 2017-08-22 | Injury mitigating stock guard |
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WO (1) | WO2015157503A1 (en) |
Citations (31)
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US797984A (en) * | 1904-12-07 | 1905-08-22 | Harry B Stewart | Cattle-guard block. |
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US1344535A (en) * | 1919-10-13 | 1920-06-22 | Hickok Emory | Cattle-guard |
US1514437A (en) * | 1924-01-05 | 1924-11-04 | Benjamin P Cobb | Stock guard for railroads |
US1616361A (en) * | 1926-05-06 | 1927-02-01 | Frnka Frank | Combined stock guard and pass way |
US1653357A (en) * | 1927-02-10 | 1927-12-20 | Frnka Frank | Combined stock guard and passway |
US2471551A (en) * | 1946-02-20 | 1949-05-31 | James A Slaughter | Stock guard |
US2518855A (en) * | 1947-11-07 | 1950-08-15 | Henry H Balzer | Cattle guard gate |
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US2778133A (en) * | 1955-04-04 | 1957-01-22 | Malcolm C Story | Livestock guard and gate |
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US3455279A (en) * | 1966-10-13 | 1969-07-15 | Rita R Krevit | Floor member for animal barn |
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US3790135A (en) * | 1972-10-24 | 1974-02-05 | L Christianson | Cattle guard |
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US4333268A (en) * | 1980-03-04 | 1982-06-08 | Dumbeck Robert F | Energy saving electrically actuated barrier gate control means operable from solar energy |
US4387882A (en) * | 1981-04-27 | 1983-06-14 | Mansour Alex E | Cattle guard construction and method |
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US20110133144A1 (en) * | 2009-12-07 | 2011-06-09 | Gary Miller | Portable cattle guard and method therefor |
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US3491482A (en) * | 1968-09-10 | 1970-01-27 | Donald H Wedekind | Drive over gate |
US3730140A (en) * | 1971-09-01 | 1973-05-01 | Aluminum Co Of America | Slat floor assembly |
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US4844423A (en) * | 1988-10-24 | 1989-07-04 | Combs Linsey L | Pop-up stock guard |
GB0612000D0 (en) * | 2006-06-16 | 2006-07-26 | Drax Jeremy R | Cattle grid |
-
2014
- 2014-04-10 US US14/249,522 patent/US9750228B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2015
- 2015-04-09 WO PCT/US2015/025079 patent/WO2015157503A1/en active Application Filing
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2017
- 2017-08-22 US US15/683,474 patent/US11058094B2/en active Active
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US797984A (en) * | 1904-12-07 | 1905-08-22 | Harry B Stewart | Cattle-guard block. |
US863241A (en) * | 1906-09-05 | 1907-08-13 | Marion E Wagner | Railway cattle-guard. |
US1344535A (en) * | 1919-10-13 | 1920-06-22 | Hickok Emory | Cattle-guard |
US1514437A (en) * | 1924-01-05 | 1924-11-04 | Benjamin P Cobb | Stock guard for railroads |
US1616361A (en) * | 1926-05-06 | 1927-02-01 | Frnka Frank | Combined stock guard and pass way |
US1653357A (en) * | 1927-02-10 | 1927-12-20 | Frnka Frank | Combined stock guard and passway |
US2471551A (en) * | 1946-02-20 | 1949-05-31 | James A Slaughter | Stock guard |
US2592225A (en) * | 1946-04-29 | 1952-04-08 | Orville R Winkler | Portable cattle guard |
US2518855A (en) * | 1947-11-07 | 1950-08-15 | Henry H Balzer | Cattle guard gate |
US2539214A (en) * | 1948-10-04 | 1951-01-23 | John K Warner | Cattle guard |
US2778133A (en) * | 1955-04-04 | 1957-01-22 | Malcolm C Story | Livestock guard and gate |
US2938711A (en) * | 1958-04-02 | 1960-05-31 | Earl T Luff | Safety livestock guard |
US3455279A (en) * | 1966-10-13 | 1969-07-15 | Rita R Krevit | Floor member for animal barn |
US3491480A (en) * | 1967-08-31 | 1970-01-27 | Robert T Nickel | Vehicle actuated livestock barrier |
US3790135A (en) * | 1972-10-24 | 1974-02-05 | L Christianson | Cattle guard |
US4163545A (en) * | 1977-01-31 | 1979-08-07 | Joseph Ostermiller | Cattle guard |
US4333268A (en) * | 1980-03-04 | 1982-06-08 | Dumbeck Robert F | Energy saving electrically actuated barrier gate control means operable from solar energy |
US4387882A (en) * | 1981-04-27 | 1983-06-14 | Mansour Alex E | Cattle guard construction and method |
GB2179987A (en) * | 1985-07-24 | 1987-03-18 | Bekaert Sa Nv | Grid for use in stalls, stables, pig sties and the like |
US4789137A (en) * | 1987-07-31 | 1988-12-06 | Heldenbrand William C | Knock-down cattle guard |
US5179801A (en) * | 1990-12-18 | 1993-01-19 | Babchuk Victor E | Portable cattle gate |
US5131631A (en) * | 1991-06-03 | 1992-07-21 | Cobbe James A | Portable pitless livestock gate |
US5419537A (en) * | 1994-03-18 | 1995-05-30 | Thompson; Richard M. | Pop-up stock guard |
US6519131B1 (en) * | 2000-07-24 | 2003-02-11 | Herbert W. Beck | Electric cattle guard |
US20090217884A1 (en) * | 2000-10-13 | 2009-09-03 | Reuver Hermannus S F | System for a free stall barn with a grooved floor, corresponding precast concrete slab and animal keeping method |
US20020092481A1 (en) * | 2001-01-12 | 2002-07-18 | Spooner David Neal | Method and apparatus for confining animals |
US8279887B2 (en) * | 2005-11-09 | 2012-10-02 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) | Selection of radio resources in a radio communications network |
US8070901B2 (en) * | 2005-12-20 | 2011-12-06 | Saab Ab | Method of manufacturing an elongate structural element configured for stiffening a shell structure, and a method for manufacturing a rigid shell structure integrated with at least one elongate stiffening element |
US8146949B2 (en) * | 2009-09-02 | 2012-04-03 | Tarun Natwarlal Surti | Mud flap |
US20110133144A1 (en) * | 2009-12-07 | 2011-06-09 | Gary Miller | Portable cattle guard and method therefor |
US20130221305A1 (en) * | 2012-02-24 | 2013-08-29 | Manless Gates Llc | System, method and apparatus for portable gate |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20170347623A1 (en) | 2017-12-07 |
US9750228B2 (en) | 2017-09-05 |
WO2015157503A1 (en) | 2015-10-15 |
US11058094B2 (en) | 2021-07-13 |
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